We will be using either the Trump 44/375 or the X-Rock 44/375. They should be optic yellow.

I'll be posting my other tourney dates as well as other associations dates for 40+ here in SoCal soon and I include Bully and Ken in my e-mails(I assume this is Mango with Courtesy Auto). If you want on the list send me your e-mail to: oldschoolmasters@yahoo.com.

One thing to consider here...these new homerun rules parallel the ASA/USSSA Major/A-D rules. There is no division that I'm aware of that allows open homeruns....not even Open Major. I'm as interested as anyone because I'll be eligible to play 50+ next November....and I'll play at least Major if not Major+.

I think this is and will continue to be a heated subject. You can believe that I enjoy hitting homeruns as much as the next guy...but that's not what softball is all about. I don't see this as a slap in the face...I do see it as more of a leveling of the field.

2009 will tell the story. Good luck to all this year. Hope to see alot of you in Mesquite.

Just a heads up: The 2009 SSUSA Spring Worlds Tournament in Mesquite, NV, March 24-29 is quickly approaching. Teams from all over the United States and Canada are expected to attend.
I just spoke to Fran and SSUSA is fielding alot of calls concerning this event.

I want to impress upon the 40+ teams that this years competition will be better than ever. More and more 40+ teams are forming. There are 10 or more 40+ teams here in Southern California and 3-4 in NorCal. Mesquite is a wonderful venue. They work hard on their fields and the weather should be very nice.

I really want to see a good showing at this tourney. Even if you've never played in an SSUSA event, once you try it, you'll be hooked. It's great softball and better competition.

I've kept quiet a long time about this rule. I guess I'm in one of those moods today...so here it is:

With the changes and advancements in technology today you have to consider that more players are at risk of getting hit by a 100 mph+ ball than ever before.

I've witnessed many pitcher's, 3rd basemen and 1st basemen limping off of the field after taking a shot from a hard hit ball. I personally saw a great 3rd baseman hit twice in a row, once in the mouth at the hands of strong pull hitters with Ultra II's in their hands. Several pitchers were killed nationally after being hit in the first two years of the Ultras.

Many states impose similar laws that are hated by many...seatbelts and motorcycle helmets. They are imposed because many people think that it won't happen to them.

Has anyone stopped to think what would happen if you lost concentration for just a second? It can and will happen....that's inevitable.

The rule, when administered correctly is designed to make hitters place the ball somewhere other than at the pitchers head. It is not designed to take the pitcher out of the game or kill the possibility of a double play. It is designed for the protection of the pitcher who, regardless of what anyone thinks or wants to believe is getting slower with age.

For those of you who think that when the homeruns are outs the pitcher will be the target, we've been playing with similar rules for a long time. If a hitter can't make the adjustment...it's time to take up ping pong. When I take BP I hit my first 15-20 balls as hard and far as I can. Then I practice spray hitting....cones as targets, right & left sides. Because of that I can carry .800-.900 batting avg. in most tournaments....not bragging, just proof of alot of practice. For all of you retired guys, you have time to hit a couple of days a week. 300-500 balls a week. To many? You want to excel in the sport that you love? That's the answer.

Gentlemen, things in this world are always changing and there's always debate whether or not these changes are for the better. If you strive to work with the changes implemented here, it's my belief that you'll become a better, more rounded hitter that your teamates and opponants will respect.

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